If you are looking for some hot winter weather not too far from the UK, then you are in luck. Because there is one island that gets as hot as 23C in November, while other parts of Europe deal with chilly and snowy weather. The UK experienced a record-breaking summer of heatwaves, but it appears we are in for a grim winter with unfavourable conditions. If you want to escape that, an expert has revealed where you should go.
There are several stunning islands in Europe that welcome tourists throughout the year. Many of them remain popular in October with temperatures well above 20C and plenty for tourists to do, even as the summer season is well and truly over. Mark Hodson from 101 Holidays has revealed the best European island to visit in November if you are chasing warm weather. “I find this to be a tricky time of year because, although in the southern Mediterranean you can expect lots of sunshine and temperatures of 20C, many resorts are shutting up for the winter season,” he revealed.
However, there is one island where you can enjoy highs of 23C, even in November. That island is Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. This group of Spanish islands thrives with tourists in the high season of summer, but it is a nice, chilled-out destination for those chasing winter sun.
“I strongly recommend the Canary Islands in November,” Hodson said. “If you want a warm beach holiday, Tenerife fits the bill, but the island also has mountains to hike, dolphin watching, water sports, golf courses and a wide choice of accommodation.”
However, Gran Canaria enjoys the best weather in November out of all the Canary Islands. Here, you will get average highs of 23C and average lows of 17C. Plus, you will enjoy an average of seven sunshine hours per day.
Lanzarote follows in second place, also enjoying highs of 23C but lows of 16C, slightly lower than Gran Canaria. Tenerife is the coldest of the Canary Islands in November, getting average highs of 21C and average lows of 15C.
Some of the most popular resort towns in Gran Canaria are Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, both known for their seaside bars, restaurants, and activities, as well as their lively nightlife. However, there is also Puerto de Mogán, San Agustín, Puerto Rico and Arguineguín.
While going to Spanish islands like Gran Canaria in winter is a far cry from the lively summer period, it is a delightful experience for some. One Reddit user shared: “I went to Gran Canaria for Xmas a few years ago and was sunbathing on Xmas day.”
As well as the Canary Islands, the travel expert recommends Madeira, a Portuguese island off the northwest coast of Africa. Here, tourists can enjoy average highs of 22C.
Behind the Canary Islands and Madeira, on the list of Hodson’s recommendations for a sunny escape in November is The Azores, a small island region in the mid-Atlantic ruled by Portugal, where average highs in the month are 20C.
He also mentions Kos (Greece), Cyprus, Marrakech (Morocco), Seville (Spain) and Valletta (Malta) as worthy November destinations for those looking to escape the harsh British winter.